• Home »
  • Faith »
  • Vatican »
  • Vatican raffle to benefit earthquake victims in central Italy
hand and heart

The recent post office troubles have impacted our regular fundraising efforts. Please consider supporting the Register and Catholic journalism by using one of the methods below:

  • Donate online
  • Donate by e-transfer to accounting@catholicregister.org
  • Donate by telephone: 416-934-3410 ext. 406 or toll-free 1-855-441-4077 ext. 406
A mother embraces her son in Amatrice, Italy, following an earthquake Aug. 24.
A mother embraces her son in Amatrice, Italy, following an earthquake Aug. 24. CNS photo/Massimo Percossi, EPA

Vatican raffle to benefit earthquake victims in central Italy

By  Junno Arocho, Esteves Catholic News Service
  • October 20, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Along with the Christmas-tree lighting ceremony and the unveiling of the Nativity creche, Pope Francis' raffle to benefit those in need is becoming an annual holiday tradition at the Vatican.

For 10 euros – about $14.50 – one lucky winner will win the first prize: a red Opel Karl, a German-made, five-door hatchback car.

Announcing the raffle Oct. 20, the Vatican said that for the first time, tickets also will be available for purchase online. Previously, people hoping to nab a prize could purchase tickets only at the Vatican post office or pharmacy.

The proceeds of the raffles go directly to charitable causes chosen by the Pope; this year's raffle will benefit victims of the devastating earthquake that struck central Italy Aug. 24 and to the homeless.

"To this end, he personally donated some of the prizes," said a statement from the Vatican City State governor's office.

Other prizes include a Colnago professional racing bike, an Alassio wristwatch by Italian watchmaker Auxilia, a handmade hammock and a top-of-the line coffee machine by La San Marco.

In addition, the Vatican announcement said there will be "more than 30 minor prizes" up for grabs.

Tickets are available for purchase on the governor's office website: www.vaticanstate.va. The winning tickets will be drawn Feb. 2 and published on the website as well.

This year's lottery, the governor's office said, "coincides with the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and with this year's Christmas festivities, a time for gestures of solidarity and sharing."

Tagged under:

Related items

More in this category: « Holy See, Italy tax agreement regarding the Vatican bank goes into effect Vatican releases instruction on burial, cremation »

Please support The Catholic Register

Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.

For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.

DONATE